CANC Cycling Paradise Road; Thailand, Malaysia, Singapo

This Ride has been Cancelled

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Ride Coordinator Comment: An amazing new BAC tour that will travel through the deepest south of Thailand and into Malaysia, finally concluding in Singapore. As a stand-alone tour through peninsular Malaysia, the tour will capture the best of the melting pot of Thai, Malay, Indian and Chinese culture. Combined with the BAC Bangkok to Phuket tour, the two tours will last a month and cover 1,500 miles of breathtaking scenery and fascinating cultures.

OVERVIEW:  Krabi to Singapore (K2S) is an ideal winter escape and superb early season training tour. We will start on Saturday Feb. 3, 2018 in Krabi, Thailand, at the beautiful Aonang Paradise Resort and conclude in Singapore on Saturday Feb. 17, 2018. In terms of appeal, K2S ticks off all the boxes: fabulous start hotel convenient to the airport, time to visit the bustling city of Singapore and 13 glorious riding days.  Along the way, we will experience beautiful beaches, emerald jungles, phenomenal food, exotic islands, ancient ruins and, of course, great BAC happy hours.  The tour is well supported and includes local guides with expert knowledge and cycling experience.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most accessible and modern country, whereas Malaysia, though less known, is a fascinating melting pot of multiculturalism and this 15-day/14-night tour will make use of the well-paved roads that connect Krabi, Thailand and cosmopolitan Singapore. In between, we will cycle south along the western side of peninsular Malaysia experiencing the gorgeous seacoast and colonial atmosphere en route to Singapore. The quiet roads are 100% tarmac and February is the ideal time weather-wise to cycle this southern paradise. The accommodations range from beachside resorts to deluxe hotels. 

RIDE RATING: The Quick-Look Rating is 2D.  See Cycle Itinerary below for specific daily cycle information. We will have cold drinks, fresh fruit and other local items available to keep riders fueled and hydrated. The cycle guides are trained in basic bike mechanics and first aid.  Regardless, participants should be prepared and well trained and arrive with a proper, well-geared road bike, or rent a high-end road bike from Spice Roads. Because we expect the roads to be in good condition, riders could use 23 CC tires but 25 or 28 CC tires are more comfortable over long distances. SR has Trek Domane and Emonda road bikes for rent for $400.00 USD (note that members doing both tours will retain the same bike). In addition, tandems can be accommodated on this tour,  This is also a good tour for Bike Fridays but please bring spare tires and any special tools that might be required. We will have a SR bike mechanic along.

WEATHER: Southern Thailand has a tropical climate but February is the cooler season with average temperatures between 68 F and 85 F. Malaysia has a classic tropical climate year-round and we can expect the weather to be excellent with blue skies in the AM but then giving way to possible short rain showers at some point in the afternoons. Hopefully, we will be off the bike by then. At the higher elevations in the tea growing areas it will be sunny by day but cooler in the night. We plan to be at the day’s destination before 3 PM allowing time to enjoy the facilities, which usually included a quiet beachfront and/or swimming pool. In addition, we often have a sit down lunch on the road as a group. This sometimes results in a relaxed – and hot – last hour on the bike as we spin into the overnight resort.

LODGING: Accommodation is included from Sat. Feb. 3rd, 2018 (Day 1) through Sat., Feb. 17th, 2018 (Day 15). The tour concludes after breakfast on Sat., Feb. 17th (Day 15) with a group transport to the Singapore International Airport (SIN).

LOGISTICS: The tour begins at Happy Hour at 5 PM on Saturday, Feb. 3rd, 2018 at the Aonang Paradise resort with introductions, a safety discussion, a tour briefing, Happy Hour and dinner to follow. Arriving a day early is highly recommended and SR can assist with pre-tour hotel bookings. Airport pick-up on the start day, (Day 1), is included from Krabi International Airport. Bike cases will be transported to the finish in Singapore. For members moving over from the BAC Bangkok to Phuket (B2P) tour, SR will assist with making arrangements for transport from Phuket and the overnight accommodation for the night of Friday, Feb. 2, 2018. 

GETTING STARTED: The plan is have SpiceRoads staff available on Saturday afternoon, Feb, 3, 2018 to assist with bike build-up and fitting for those renting. A short shakeout ride will be provided before the first rider meeting/Happy Hour at 5 PM.  On Day 2 (Mon. Feb. 4th), the tour will begin in earnest and from this day on, ALL meals (B, L, D) and Happy Hour are included each day. Also included is bike case transport to Singapore.  

CYCLING ITINERARY:

B= Breakfast L= Lunch D=Dinner

Day 1 – Sat. Feb. 3rd Krabi

We meet at the hotel in Krabi for a trip briefing about the epic riding ahead of us! Get a first taste of the fresh local specialties with a seafood dinner. Aonang Paradise Hotel. D

Day 2 – Sun. Feb. 4th Krabi – Pak Meng

The first 35 kilometers will be on bicycle lane and back roads to avoid the busy traffic of Krabi town. We will ride together at a steady pace through mangroves, rubber tree and palm plantations. At the 50 km (31 miles) point we'll take our first break after our warm up ride. As we continue on our way south we'll have a few rolling hills for the next 10 km before our route flattens out. We'll end by riding along the Andaman coast directly to our hotel. Anantara Resort. Ride 132 km/82 miles, 820 m/2,690 feet B L D

Day 3 – Mon. Feb. 5th Pak Meng – Koh Sukorn

After breakfast we will start by riding on a scenic road alongside the sea before heading to Koh Sukorn, otherwise known as Pig Island. For those in the mood for more hot springs we can take a slight detour and have time for a dip. Back in the saddle, we'll be cycling through thick mangrove forests and then rubber and palm plantations, taking in the fresh air and peaceful natural surroundings along the way to the ferry. We will leave our bikes on the mainland and take a 20-minute boat ride to our island resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or take a kayak out to explore the island. Yataa Resort. Ride 94 km/58 miles, 656 m/2,152 feet B L D

Day 4 – Tues. Feb. 6th Koh Sukorn – Satun

Today we'll cross back to the mainland and stick to back roads to see rural Thailand at its best as we cycle past colorful mosques and remote villages. We'll see some interesting landscapes, lots of friendly smiles and plenty of unspoiled nature. Once we reach Satun, depending on time, we can explore the monkey mountain or the night market in this border city before we return to our overnight hotel. The One Boutique Hotel. Ride 106 km/65 miles, 662 m/2,172 feet. B L D

Day 5 – Wed. Feb. 7th Satun – Border – Alor Setar

This morning starts with 40-km ride to the border and here, we'll say goodbye to our Thai tour leader and meet our new guide who will accompany us all the way to Singapore. Once we have cycled our first 6 km in Malaysia we'll hit our only hill of the day, but the ride up will be tough and is sure to get your heart rate up! After a moderately challenging uphill ride, we of course have a great downhill to follow before enjoying flat and smooth riding all the way to our hotel in Alor Setar, home to the Central State Administration Centre and the birthplace of two of Malaysia's prime ministers.  Grand Alora. Ride 122 km/75 miles, 625m/2,052 feet B L D

Day 6 – Thurs. Feb. 8th Alor Setar – Georgetown

Today is another flat and scenic ride as we hug the coast. There will be a few rolling hills when we skirt Hutan Lipur Rekreasi Tupah, or Tupah Recreational Forest, a protected area in Kuala Muda District which also provides some welcome shade. The highlight of our day will be crossing to the island of Penang where we overnight at the colonial town of Georgetown. Famed for its eclectic mix of colonial-style architecture, discover the array of colorful mosques in Chinatown and take a stroll through rustic Chinese shop houses, visit Chinese temples and shop for spices in Little India, or you might be lead to the town's many Western-style skyscrapers and massive shopping complexes set amidst British Raj–era architecture. Tonight we'll hit the town to discover some of town's famous delicacies and learn the tasty truth behind Georgetown's nickname -- Malaysia's food capital. Glow Penang Hotel. Ride 117 km/ 73 miles, 400 m/2,300 feet B L D

Day 7 – Fri. Feb. 9th Georgetown – Taiping

Our day starts with a straightforward ride as we leave Penang and head over to Taiping where we hop on old Hwy 1 to Taiping. The road is pretty busy, especially through the first half as it takes us through a number of towns, but on the whole, the road is in good condition with a good shoulder most of the way. Taiping sits on a coastal plain at the foothills of the Bintang Range, and the discovery of tin deposits in Taiping and neighboring areas in the 19th century attracted settlers from China, who were organized into two feuding groups around the Hakka Hai San and the Cantonese Ghee Hin society. British intervention in the early 1870's put an end to the feuding and today Taiping is best known for its interesting mix of cultures, which can be seen in the architecture of the town's older buildings. Due to its topography, Taiping sees a copious amount of rainfall and is equally known for their iconic rain trees, which have decked the road around Taiping Lake Gardens since the British colonial times over a hundred years ago.  Flemington Hotel. Ride 95 km/59 miles, 353 m/1,161 feet B L D

Day 8 – Sat., Feb. 10th Taiping – Ipoh

Today we have a short but steep uphill as we cycle on the edge of the popular mountain climbing destination of Gunung Bubu (1657 m). Mountains will frame most of our ride today, but our path will be on rolling hills with lots of vegetation lining the road. We have a shorter distance to cover today so we can spend more time exploring Ipoh, a pleasant city full of intriguing colonial architecture, friendly locals and perhaps some of the country’s best foods! Take a stroll through the city’s ‘Old Town’ and discover elegant colonial-style buildings from the time when Ipoh was one of the wealthiest cities in in Southeast Asia. We overnight at a small, whimsical boutique hotel where you will be able to discover a fun mix of Malaysia’s Colonial past and modern urban décor, replicating much of the pre war shop houses found in the Straits Settlements, but with some urban elements and a wicked twist. M Boutique. Ride 85 km/52 miles, 638 m/1,729 feet B L D

Day 9 – Sun. Feb. 11th Ipoh – Sungai Besar

Today, we will start making our way back down to sea level, so overall we will be losing more elevation than we gain. However, we have many kilometers to tackle until we reach our destination so it will be a long day of riding. The first half of the ride will be undulating and then the terrain flattens as we near the coast. We'll be cycling through many hamlets today and will get a true sense of rural Malaysia. We spend the night in the coastal town of Sungai Besar.  Grand Court Hotel. Ride 130 km/80 miles, 503 m. / 1,666 feet B L D

Day 10 – Mon. Feb. 12th Sungai Besar – Klang

Today is a relatively easy ride after yesterday's long ride and with no change in elevation, it is a very flat one as well. We will be skirting around metropolitan Kuala Lumpur and overnighting in the port city of Klang, which is also known as the royal city as it is the royal residence of the Sultan of Selangor. Klang is also a perfect example of what a melting pot of cultures makes up Malaysia with a colorful Little India, a Gothic Catholic church and it is famous for its Chinese Bak Kut Teh, a pork and herbal soup. It is well known that the royal town of Klang has been a site of human settlement since prehistoric times, and various artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, such as drums, axes and other stone tools have been found in the vicinity of the town and within the town itself.  Dream Garden Hotel. Ride 95 km/59 miles, 382 m/1,194 feet B L D

Day 11 – Tues. Feb. 13th Klang – Port Dickson

We have another flat and smooth start to our day as we ride down the coast with the Malacca Strait, a narrow 900 km-long sea-lane between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, on our right. At 85 kms we suddenly switch gears and pedal up as we tackle a series of short but steep uphill climbs. Luckily, stretches of this road are tree-lined, providing some shade for us as we make our way to Port Dickson, a popular beach resort and holiday destination. We overnight at a beachfront resort where you will be able to visit a turtle hatchery for hawksbill turtles and learn about the importance of turtle conservation.  Glory Beach Hotel. Ride 110 km/68 miles, 615 m/2,103 feet B L D

Day 12 – Wed. Feb. 14th Port Dickson – Malacca

A change of pace today with some rolling hills as we cycle past colorful mosques and sleepy villages. We will be flirting with the beach all day before arriving in Malacca, a historical city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting numerous historical ruins and buildings, some dating back to 1440 when the state was first founded. We will explore indispensable parts of Malacca’s history, such as the A’Famosa Fort. Constructed using slave labor, this defensive stronghold served the purpose of protecting the Portuguese against foreign invasion and housed the entire Portuguese administration during their tenure in Malacca. The fort remains one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia and is located just downhill from St. Paul’s Church, the oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia. Visit the Red Square and the fascinating Stadthuys Museum, which is perhaps the oldest-surviving Dutch building in the East, or take a stroll down Jonker Street in Chinatown for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where you will be able to find anything and everything from clothes, kitschy knick-knacks, antiques and artworks. Once you've worked up an appetite, make sure to catch a break to sample some (or all!) of Malacca's tasty treats!  Swiss Hotel Heritage Boutique. Ride 80 km/49 miles, 490 m/1,699 feet B L D

Day 13 – Thurs. Feb. 15th Malacca – Batu Pahat

After leaving the historic town, we are back to the flats as we ride southeast with some nice stretches of palm trees. We finally arrive at our destination of Batu Pahat, a charming town with a famous roundabout protecting a 100-year-old tree. Head over to the seaside village of Minyak Beku where you will be able to enjoy the sea breeze, take a stroll down to the lighthouse or visit the village's famous well; a big rock about 10 feet in size, believed to have been chiseled by the Siamese back in the 15th century to store fresh water. Perhaps the best way to really experience Batu Pahat and get to know the local culture, is by sampling locally grown tea or coffee at the old-school "warung" (coffee house in Malay) with a side order of toast, half-boiled eggs or local desserts, or by trying out the delicious treats at the nightly market - a must for any visitor! Every night, you will find an array of stalls strategically set up along a small road selling all sorts from food, clothes, toys and shoes. The markets take place at a different location every day on a rotating basis, and offer local delicacies such as Pisang goreng; fried banana mixed with a delicious blend of kicap pedas soy sauce, or the Nasi Beriani; a spiced up rice dish served with meat, eggs, fish and vegetables. Batu Pahat, being the cultural melting pot that it is, also offers some delicious Chinese influenced dishes not to be missed, such as the fried oyster omelet, crispy prawn cakes, juicy sambal grilled stingray (for the brave!), tasty beef noodles and succulent fried carrot cake.  Summit Signature. Ride 105 km/65 miles, 375 m/1,171 feet B L D

Day 14 – Fri. Feb. 16th Batu Pahat – Singapore

Our final day in Malaysia as we get ready to cross over to the island of Singapore. We will spend the rest of the trip here and discover the heritage of the world's aspiring 'City in a Garden' in a completely different light. Despite its young age and physical limitations, today, Singapore has successfully reinvented itself as a global financial center and, surprisingly, a wonderland for nature fans. The “Little Red Dot,” a term which has come to be used by its proud citizens, has earned its place on the map as one of the world's hottest destinations, boasting hundreds of local attractions ranging from modern museums to whimsical gardens, many of which are conveniently connected by scenic bicycle routes. We overnight at a cozy and charming boutique hotel, located in Tiong Bahru; once the place of choice to live for the upper class and also the place where the rich and powerful kept their mistresses. For this reason, the estate used to be known as Mei Ren Wuo or “den of beauties” in Chinese. The nearby Tiong Bahru market boasts some of the best hawker stalls in Singapore that tops the country’s eatery charts regularly, offering a mixture of culinary delights. We meet up in the evening for a final farewell dinner.  Four Points by Sheraton. Ride 102 km/63 miles, 495m/1624 feet B L D

Day 15 – Sat. Feb. 17th Departure

Our tour ends after breakfast. SR can help you arrange a transfer to the airport or to extend your stay in Singapore. B.

NAVIGATION & PACING FREEDOM: Well before the tour starts, SR will provide each member with detailed GPX files and a complete hotel list, should there be updates from this published Ride Description (RD). In addition, all riders will receive paper cue sheets. We review the route each night at our rider meeting and Happy Hour. We also may use Route Arrows and construction lime and chalk to mark the route.  We strive to create a ‘support bubble’ with a lead vehicle and a rear vehicle and cycling guides on bikes.  The rest stops are frequent but short with a longer, sit-down lunch, to reduce the ‘accordion effect’ and bring the group back together. 

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

COST & ADMINISTRATION: The tour cost is $4,500 USD per person, double occupancy. The price includes 14 nights lodging with 14 breakfast, 13 lunches, 14 dinners, commemorative cycling shirt, water bottle, portage (including bike box transfer), BAC Happy Hours, and guiding and administrative costs. The price does not include airfare to Krabi or from Singapore (the tour termination city), tips, fees to optional activities and alcoholic drinks outside the BAC Happy Hours. 

Solo Travelers: The BAC encourages solo travelers.  The BAC leader will attempt to arrange for you to share accommodations with another traveler of the same gender. If you prefer not to share a room, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is $900 USD.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $100 Overseas BAC ride fee is nonrefundable unless the tour is cancelled. If a ride participant cancels, any refund will be determined on the basis that the remaining participants will not incur additional costs. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed.

In addition to the BAC Cancellation policy, those who cancel may be subject to SpiceRoads’ cancellation policy: If the participant cancels, then the following penalties will apply:

90-plus days: possibility of Admin. Expenses incurred, especially for additional services where bank fees and third party cancellation fees come into play, 60-89 days: 30% of tour price, 45-59 days: 50% of tour price, 15-44 days: 70% of tour price, 0-14 days: no refund. Please consider travel insurance.

HEALTH: Thailand is malaria-free but one should always check in with their health care provider. Malaysia and Singapore should also be malaria-free this time of year but again, check with PCP. Travel insurance is highly recommended. South Asian food can be spicy and most meals will feature noodles, rice, soup, and curries. We may be able to meet special dietary needs within reason. Recommended vaccinations are typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date info 

PASSPORTS & VISA: For most western nationalities, visas are granted upon arrival with proof of an outbound flight. Please ensure that your passport has at least two pages and is valid for at least six months from your date of entry. All nationalities require a valid passport. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and make a photocopy that you can carry with you at all times. If you have any queries or concerns regarding visa issues please do not hesitate to contact the State Dept. At this time:  

Thailand: If staying less than 30 days then a visa in advance is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. You will need to show proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced.

Malaysia: Travellers from Australia, the United Kingdom, US and EU do not need a visa to Malaysia for a visit of less than three months.

Singapore: Citizens of almost 80% of the world countries may travel to Singapore for a period ranging from 30 days to 90 days. Only 39 countries require a visa for Singapore.

MONEY: Please alert your banks and credit card companies that you’re traveling. The Thai currency is the Baht. In Bangkok and Phuket, ATMs are widely available whereas in many of the small villages they are not, so please carry some cash, especially small bills for tipping and drinks and paying for massages.  The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit (RM) and in Singapore it is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Foreign currencies and cards are not generally accepted in smaller towns and villages, but ATMs are widely available.

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description.  After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive and email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit ($1000) by credit card.  As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participation List.  Final payment of $3,500 is due no later than Sept. 1, 2017.  BAC memberes with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.